What happens when you color on your eye with a marker or sharpie?

Immediate effects:

- Eye irritation: The chemicals in the marker or sharpie can irritate the delicate skin of the eyelid and cause redness, burning, and itching.

- Corneal damage: The cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, can be scratched or damaged by the sharp tip of the marker or sharpie. This can cause pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

- Conjunctivitis (pink eye): The irritation and inflammation caused by the marker or sharpie can lead to conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, swelling, discharge, and discomfort.

Long-term effects:

- Permanent staining: The pigment in the marker or sharpie can permanently stain the cornea, leading to a permanent discoloration of the eye. This can affect vision and may require surgery to correct.

- Corneal scarring: The damage to the cornea caused by the marker or sharpie can lead to scarring, which can further impair vision.

- Vision loss: In severe cases, the damage to the cornea can lead to vision loss.

First aid:

If you or someone you know accidentally colors on the eye with a marker or sharpie, it is important to take the following steps:

1. Do not rub the eye: Rubbing the eye can worsen the irritation and damage.

2. Flush the eye with water: Use cool, clean water to gently flush the eye and remove any remaining ink or marker residue.

3. Apply a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the eye can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

4. Seek medical attention: If the irritation or pain persists, or if there are any signs of corneal damage or vision impairment, it is important to seek prompt medical attention from an eye doctor.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent eye injuries from markers or sharpies is to keep these items out of reach of children and to supervise children when they are using them. If you or your child is using a marker or sharpie, be careful not to bring it near the eye and always recap the marker or sharpie when not in use.